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Students, please note that the information provided here is for donors. For more information about scholarship criteria and application deadlines, please contact the Admissions or Financial Aid Offices.
Mary Catherine Ward Abegg Endowed Scholarship
Growing up in a blue collar neighborhood, Mary received the much needed funds to begin her college career to fulfill her dreams in life from a scholarship that was awarded to her via the College of St. Francis in the late 1950s. Graduating with a degree in mathematics, Mary had made many contributions to the world as a math teacher, parent, and dedicated servant of God. She volunteered her time and talent to organize and manage numerous food and clothing drives for the less fortunate. Mary passed away in 2004 and her husband, Dr. Gerald L. Abegg established the scholarship in her memory.
Phyllis & Buel T. Adams Endowed Scholarship
While attending the College of St. Francis, Phyllis was honored by Delta Epsilon Sigma with membership keys. An art major, she was a proud mother of five and used her talents teaching both her family and others that touched her life. Always involved in her alma mater, Phyllis was an active member of the alumni board. Phyllis and Buel strongly believed in supporting the students of St. Francis and included the college in their estate plans. The scholarship was established in 1992.
Alverno Grant Fund
Donald C. Anderson and William W. Manion Endowed Scholarship
Donald Anderson was a self-established entrepreneur from Chicago. He generated startup restaurants such as the Popcorn Wagon and various fried chicken restaurants. He was an all-around business man who loved traveling and learning anything he could about the business world. For as much as he traveled, he regularly visited Joan Marchetta ’57 while she was attending the College of St. Francis. Joan was the closest family Mr. Anderson had and believed in making a difference in people’s lives, therefore prompting him to invest in the students at Joan’s alma mater in her honor. This scholarship was established 2005.
Harold and Joyce Anglemire Endowed Scholarship
As lifetime Joliet residents, it was the desire of Harold and Joyce Anglemire to provide educational assistance to students of the College of St. Francis. Joyce was a three time alumna: Saint Joseph School of Nursing 1962; health arts 1984; and health services administration 1990. This was an estate gift established in 1996.
William and Jean Anson Endowed Scholarship
In 1980 Rev. William Anson and his sister, Sr. Regina Marie Anson, Assistant Professor of Education established the scholarship in memory of their parents.
NBD Bank One Scholarship
Established in 1996 by NBD Bank, Joliet. This gift was to provide assistant to the 75% of the students who were eligible for financial aid.
Barnes & Noble Scholarship
Barr Foundation Student Scholarship
Margaret (Kennedy) ’69 and William C. Benoit Endowed Scholarship
Margaret and William Benoit are long-time educators in the Joliet Public District 86 Schools. Both Margaret and Bill have been active in the community and the sponsoring organization of Sisters of St. Francis and the University of St. Francis. Margaret, an alumna, and William, who currently supervises teachers at the university, value education and desire to make a positive impact on USF students. Their generous gift is not for the deserving student alone, but for the community that will benefit by the students’ service and leadership in years to come. This scholarship was established in 2014.
Jennifer K. Bily Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Jennifer was a Saint Joseph College of Nursing Student at the time of her death in March 5, 1995. This scholarship has been created to assist deserving students planning to become baccalaureate degree nurses. Since Jenny could not complete her dream, it is the desire of Jennifer’s family that deserving nursing student be assisted in perpetuating Jennifer’s commitment to nurture and heal those who hurt. The Jennifer K. Bily Memorial Scholarship was established by her parents, Anthony and Kathy Bily.
Lloyd J. Bowden Endowed Scholarship
The Lloyd J. Bowden Endowed Scholarship was established in 1978 by Mr. Lloyd Bowden. His personal and Franciscan values touched the lives of many young men and women. Through this scholarship the legacy of Mr. Bowden lives on and as a result of a USF education, the scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to create a legacy of their own.
LaVerne S. & Dorothy M. Brown Endowed Scholarship
LaVerne (Bitz) Brown served with distinction as chairman and member of the Board of Trustees. Through his dedication, leadership and wise counsel, the university was able to continue to grow and prosper. Bitz and his wife, Dorothy (Dottie), have set an example of commitment and service, and their efforts have contributed to its growth, strength and excellence. As members of the Caritas Committee for many years and Chairpersons of the 1988 Caritas Ball, they brought significant good will and community support to the university as a result of their tireless efforts.
It is this generosity of self and spirit that illustrates best the ideals for which St. Francis, patron saint of the University of St Francis, is recognized. The scholarship was established in 1995.
Helen Antonini-Bruskas ’64 Endowed Scholarship
Generous friends of the university, Arthur and Vera Smith established this scholarship in honor of their dear friend, Helen Antonini-Bruskas, Class of ’64. Helen is an alumna and excelled in her classes at the College of Saint Francis. This award was established in 1992.
Helen M. Burst Scholarship
This fund was awarded through the St. Joseph School of Nursing and the first gift was disbursed from the Helen M. Burst estate in 2003.
Dorothy Kenney Busse ‘34 Nursing Award
The Dorothy Kenney Busse Award ’34, will be given to a graduating senior nursing student who is passionate about their field of study. The Dean of the College of Nursing, along with appointed nursing faculty will choose the recipient. This award was established by Kathleen French, daughter of Dorothy, and will fund the award yearly in memory of her mother
Joseph and Angeline Bydalek Endowed Scholarship
Richard Cheek Endowed Scholarship
Richard Cheek’s family and friends established this scholarship in his honor after losing his battle with cancer at the age of 21. This scholarship has allowed Richard’s legacy to live on by helping many College of Saint Francis students over the past two decades create a legacy of their own. Richard’s mother, Virginia is a St. Joseph School of Nursing, Class of ’41 alumna. This scholarship was established in 1991.
Jason Chonacki ‘90 Endowed Scholarship.
While attending the College of St. Francis, Jason served as a peer minister for two and a half years. In that time, he provided leadership, support and encouragement for the other peer ministers. He was the head peer minister in Tower Hall and through his powerful personality he had influenced a young man to become a priest. In addition to his peer minister responsibilities, he served on the team for the Koinonia retreats, giving a major inspirational talk, volunteered time at the Uptown shelter for bag ladies, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Jason did all this with spirit, commitment and a style that has made him an effective peer minister and leader. It is not an understatement to say that his death affected everyone on this campus who knew him. This scholarship was established in 1995.
Charlotte Codo Scholarship
Charlotte Codo, Class of ’74, an artist, majored in French at the College of St. Francis. She also studied to be a nurse at Wesley College, part of Northwestern University’s Chicago campus. This scholarship was established in 1987.
Margaret Coleman and John Philip Coleman Memorial Endowed Scholarship
This memorial scholarship was created in honor of siblings, Margaret and John Philip Coleman, idealists who in their brief lives sought peace, justice, honor, charity, and always the greater good. The scholarship was established in 1981 by their sister, Rosemary Coleman, Class of ‘46.
Amy Lynn D’Amico Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Amy Lynn D’Amico, epitomized the qualities espoused and celebrated by the university. Pursuing a lifelong dream to shape lives of young people as only a teacher can, Amy Lynn D’Amico prepared herself academically as an education major and as an exemplary student teacher who graduated with the highest honors. Amy’s life was cut short at the very start of her promising teaching career as the result of an automobile accident. This scholarship was established in 1999 by the D’Amico family.
Jonathan E. Ellis Scholarship
Jon was dedicated to the students and staff at the University of St. Francis. His job as a security officer utilized his talents from previous work and life experiences. Not only was Jon a faithful, hardworking and dependable employee; he was also able to demonstrate his Christian spirit in ministry. In his life, Jon exemplified the spirit of St. Francis. This scholarship was established in 2015.
Bridget (Fitzgerald) Garavalia ‘45 Nursing Scholarship
Bridget (Fitzgerald) Garavalia graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1945 with a nursing diploma. She passed away after a valiant 28-year battle with heart disease. During the course of her life, she shared many fond memories of nursing school with her family. After working for nine years as an office nurse for Dr. Joseph Duffy, Bridget spent the rest of her nursing career at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. She enjoyed the enduring friendships of her nursing classmates and colleagues who will always remember Bridget’s sense of humor, whimsy, and quiet strength. The scholarship was established in 2008 by her daughters, Bridget and Colette Garavalia.
E.E. “Jim” Garrison Memorial Scholarship
E.E. “Jim” Garrison was a resident of Joliet since 1951. He was formerly employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company retiring in 1974, following forty years of service. He was the Chairman and Chief negotiator for Illinois State Chamber and Illinois Manufacturing Association, member and Chairman of Illinois Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, Member and Chairman of the Joliet Human Relations Commission. The scholarship was established at the St. Joseph College of Nursing.
Patricia Getson Endowed Scholarship
The Patricia Getson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded yearly to the two junior students who have a financial need and demonstrate a strong commitment to the university and the community it serves.
Nancy K. Gosselin Memorial Scholarship
Mrs. Nancy Gosselin was a loving mother of four. She was a member of the College of St. Francis Board of Trustees, a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church, a past president of the George Werden Buck Boy’s Club Women’s Auxiliary, a member of the Visitation and Aid Society and Saint Joseph’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, and a Red Cross volunteer in physical therapy. This scholarship was established in 1975 by John Gosselin in honor of his wife, Nancy.
Annalise Hathaway Endowed Scholarship
Annalise Hathaway graduated from the Leach College of Nursing in 2012. Sadly, she left this world much too quickly.
Annalise’s true passion was nursing. She was always professional, attentive, and thorough with her patients. She had a friendly upbeat attitude, was helpful, and showed gentle compassion towards others. Annalise brightened everyone’s day.
In memory of Annalise and with a desire to support students at the University of St. Francis who serve and lead in the nursing profession, the Hathaway family has funded an endowed scholarship to be awarded yearly to a senior nursing student in good academic standing. Applicants must complete two essay questions to be reviewed by the family.
The dean of the Leach College of Nursing will direct students to the applications which will be housed in the financial aid office. Qualified applicants will be reviewed by the dean of the college of nursing, and processed through the Advancement office to be forwarded to the Hathaway family to make the final decision on the scholarship. Annalise Hathaway will continue to live on in the hearts and hands of the students who benefit from this generous family gift.
Sheldon and Marie Hauck Endowed Scholarship
Sheldon Walter Hauck was a leader in developing business in the New Lenox/Will County area. Dedicated to family, business and his community, Sheldon founded business enterprises including the New Lenox Coal and Feed Co., which was renamed in 1948 as the New Lenox Gas and Oil Co., and the Hauck Oil Company, organized in 1949. The scholarship was established in 1993.
Hollywood Casino Scholarship
Hollywood Casino Joliet is committed to making a difference in our community. Through charitable work, partnerships and sponsorships, they support the businesses and charities in the Joliet and Will County areas. This scholarship was established in 2007.
Charlene M. Huffman Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Charlene Huffman and her husband, Wayne, contributed greatly to the growth, strength and excellence of the University. As members of the Caritas Committee for six years and Chairpersons of the 1989 Caritas Ball, they brought significant good will and community support to the College of St. Francis as a result of their tireless efforts.
Charlene Huffman, through her work on behalf of the College of St. Francis and other worthy causes in the Joliet area, has left a legacy of service to others. This scholarship was established in 1995.
Sonja Jezidija Endowed Scholarship
Starr Johnston Endowed Scholarship Fund
Over the years, Starr Johnston and his wife, Babe, gave freely to charities that caught their interest, millions of dollars to universities and homeless missions and senior-citizen centers. The money was there to enjoy and they liked nothing better than lending a hand. The College of St. Francis was one of the institutions blessed by their generosity. This scholarship was established in 1995.
Fr. Mychal Judge Scholarship, OFM
Mychal Judge was born Robert Emmett Judge on May 11, 1933 in Brooklyn New York. In 1992, Judge was appointed a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. As chaplain, he offered encouragement and prayers at fires, rescues, and hospitals, and counseled firemen and their families, often working 16-hour days. “His whole ministry was about love. Mychal loved the fire department and they loved him.” It was while serving in that capacity that he was killed, becoming the first certified fatality of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
In New York, Judge was also well known for ministering to the homeless, the hungry, recovering alcoholics, people with AIDS, the sick, injured, and grieving immigrants, gays and lesbians and those alienated by the Church and society. The scholarship was established by alumna, Gina Brandolino PhD, Class of ’94. This scholarship was established in 2015.
Kietzman Endowed Scholarship for Music and Theater
This scholarship will be awarded annually to one student who is enrolled in one of the musical performance groups and/or participates in theater on campus. Through her endowed scholarship a junior or senior student can pursue his or her studies in fine art and continue the legacy Professor Kietzman established.
Dr. Michael V. LaRocco Endowed Scholarship
Retired Dean of the College of Business, Michael LaRocco, D.B.A., was a University of St. Francis employee for 33 years. He began his USF career as professor in 1978 and swiftly progressed through the academic and administrative ranks. LaRocco led in the design of the university’s first business program as well as the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management programs. He also was instrumental in moving the MBA program to its online format, both piloting and teaching the university’s first online classes. USF’s online MBA program was the first such program in Illinois. A model of the university’s core values—respect, service, integrity, compassion—LaRocco has won countless awards for his work both inside and outside of the classroom. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, LaRocco actively supports U.S. servicemen and women. He also has served as Commander of the Ted Stempien VFW 8821 Post since 2009. This award was established in honor of Mike LaRocco upon his retirement from USF in 2011.
John and Cecily Leach Endowed Scholarship
Welcome had great meaning to John and Cecily Leach, who have helped shape the landscape of the city of Joliet through the many homes developed with their business, Leach Homes. Their commitment went beyond offering affordable housing to thousands of families; they shaped the community by supporting education and equality health care. Scholarships were established by the Leach family in 1989.
Marcita and Joseph A. Ley Endowed Scholarship
Established by Marcita Ley in honor of her late husband Joseph A. Ley in 1980.
Bill Manner Student-Athlete Endowed Scholarship
The John Manner Family has been thoughtful and generous in their support of the university and its mission of education and service. John Manner was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1991-2012, and served as chairman of the development committee. He has been a longtime supporter of the university’s athletic department through the Brown and Gold Banquet, and generous contributions to many teams and programs.
John Manner’s son, Bill, has been a special part of the USF community, first as a student and then as a member of the athletic department staff. Bill has supported the athletic program through his positive attitude, generosity of spirit and personal example of perseverance. The relationship between Bill and the athletic department has enabled both to develop and flourish. This scholarship was established in 1995.
Edwin G. and Sophie T. McAdoo/Rev. Harold Niedzwiecki Scholarship
Dr. James P. McCabe Scholarship
In 1972, Dr. James P. McCabe joined the faculty of the College of St. Francis. During his twenty-four years of service, Jim became widely respected and recognized for his commitment to the development and best interests of his students. He was also greatly respected and admired for his service to the college and to the community at large. As a member of the College of St. Francis faculty, Dr. McCabe provided leadership and demonstrated exemplary dedication to the college and its mission, as well as contributing wise counsel to his faculty peers and administrators. The scholarship was established in 1996.
Rachel and Harold McDonald Memorial Scholarship
JoAnn Barber, Class of ’52 dedicated her career and years of service to teaching and the educational development of young people. From 1987-2005, JoAnn has served as a member of the Board of Trustees and has contributed greatly to the growth, strength and excellence of the university. Along with her husband Andrew, JoAnn has also generously supported the University of St. Francis and its educational mission. Established by JoAnn Barber in 1995 in honor of her parents Rachel and Harold McDonald.
Multi-Cultural Education Recruitment in Teaching
Carolyn and Bart Murphy Endowed Scholarship
Carolyn’s passion lies in her deep Catholic, Franciscan faith and ensuring that USF remains a premier educational institution committed to Franciscan values and lifelong learning. These values are in the heart of USF and inherent in Carolyn. Established in November 17, 1995 of her personal faith in the future of USF and her determination to set a powerful example for her fellow alumni and other members of the university to emulate.
Frances Naal-Sczepaniak Endowed Scholarship
Frances Naal Sczepaniak has been a Joliet resident, community activist and volunteer for many years. She embodies the core values of the University (respect, service, integrity and compassion) and lives them to the fullest. After graduating from the College of St. Francis in 1958 with a degree in Social Work, Frances worked for the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid and married Albert Naal. Together they raised three children and served their community through their long-established businesses of Lakeside Distributing, Inc. and Naal Plumbing and Heating Company. This scholarship was established in 2010.
Dale G. Nicholson Memorial Scholarshi
NuMark Credit Union Financial Literacy Scholarship
Established in 2009 by NuMark Credit Union, Illinois, in keeping with their philosophy of “people helping people” and their continued commitment of reaching out to the community.
Kathy Patton Oelrich Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Kathy Patton Oelrich graduated in 1984 with a nursing degree from the Saint Joseph College of Nursing. During Kathy’s years at Saint Joseph College of Nursing, she gained a confidence in her skills, and the willingness to tackle tough challenges. She was a single parent with two small children and moved to a strange town in Iowa, sought and gained employment in a Drug and Alcohol treatment center, and met her second husband, Mike Oelrich. She quickly became known as a busy person who could efficiently juggle multiple tasks; a person who was tough enough to run a Detox Unit, with a heart of gold beneath the tough-when-needed exterior. She was well-loved by her clients, her co-workers and staff. She was the person in town others called when someone was in trouble and needed help. This scholarship was established in 1995 by Kathy Patton Oelrich’s husband, Michael Oelrich, and her children Brad and Kelly in her honor.
John and Margaret Plese Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2008 by Dr. John C. Orr and Mrs. Madonna Orr to honor Madonna’s parents, John and Margaret Plese.
Christine Poole Ponquinette Scholarship
Dr. Christine Ponquinette and her friend and co-worker, Dr. James McCabe, were founders of the Social Work program at the College of St. Francis in the early 1970’s. Dr. McCabe provided the research component to the program and Dr. Ponquinette contributed with her practicum skills and placement options for the social work internship. They nurtured the successful growth of the Social Work program to meet the challenges presented by the Council of Social Work Education. This scholarship was established in 1995.
Sister Joan Preising Endowed Scholarship
Sister Joan M. Preising gave her life to teaching. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate of Joliet in 1921 because she wanted to be a teacher. She took her vows in 1924 and began teaching at the College of St. Francis. She traveled a bit and taught elsewhere, but she returned in 1940 to spend the majority of her teaching career at St. Francis. Sister Joan taught chemistry for a total of 29 years and an anonymous alumna honored her with this scholarship in 1997.
Dorothy Rapson BSN Emergency Fund for Nursing Students
This scholarship was established in memory of Jane Rapson’s mother, Dorothy, in 1994.
Remco Medical Endowed Scholarship
Rose E. Mancuso and George R. Block, Class of ’79, owners of Remco Medical, are lifelong residents of the Joliet Community. Rose, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, is a pharmacist and was an owner of the Joliet Prescription Shops. Rose has been actively involved in numerous volunteer organizations.
George is a graduate of the University of St. Francis. He is the past President of the College of Saint Francis Alumni Board, past USF Board of Trustees member, and a past board member of Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis, Emeritus Member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chicago—Greater Illinois Chapter, an active member of St. John the Baptist Parish and recipient of the University of St. Francis Joann Placher Distinguished Alumni Award. This scholarship was established in 1994.
Joliet Rotary Club Scholarship
The Rotary Club works to solve some of the community’s biggest issues. The Rotary Club is led by our members—responsible leaders who help to carry forward our organization’s mission and values in their elected roles. This scholarship was established in 1998.
Dr. Ivo E. and Evelyn Rowland Endowed Scholarship
Throughout his life, Dr. Rowland helped students obtain an education, including two who are doctors today because of his concern. Mrs. Rowland, who was born and raised in Joliet, married her husband in 1945 and moved to Pittsburgh, where Dr. Rowland was a physician and surgeon for 54 years. Dr. and Mrs. Rowland returned to Joliet to retire in 1971.
This scholarship was established in 1986, a tradition started by her late husband of helping students attain a college education.
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Endowed Scholarship
Mr. Ryan was the founder, retired chairman and CEO of Aon Corporation – one of the world’s largest insurance and reinsurance brokers. As an entrepreneur, he founded the company, which traces its origins to a small insurance agency organized in 1964. When he retired, the company had more than 500 offices in 120 countries, generating revenues then in excess of $7 billion.
Patrick was a good friend of former trustee, Packey Webb, and funded the scholarship in his honor. He and his wife, Shirley, are generous philanthropic leaders in Chicagoland.
Virginia J. Saxon Trust for Scholarships
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Dr. Patricia Shelvy Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
Reverend Isaac Singleton Scholarship
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
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
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
This scholarship was established in 2001.
Jane Engleton Snyder ’35 Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1986.
Clair and Josephine M. Southgate Endowed Scholarship
Established in 1999 by Dr. Therese M. Southgate, daughter of Clair and Josephine.
Spirit of St. Francis Endowed Scholarship
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
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
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.
Dr. Billie Terrell MSW Scholarship
Dr. Billie Terrell graduated from the College of St. Francis in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She earned her MSW degree from the University of Illinois and her Ph.D. from the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago in 2003. Dr. Terrell has an extensive background in medical and psychiatric social work, working at Silver Cross and St. Joseph medical centers. She has also maintained a clinical practice in the Chicagoland area for many years. Dr. Terrell began teaching at the UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work as an adjunct faculty member and became a full-time faculty member at USF in 1992. During her years as BSW program director, she developed the proposal for the MSW program. She gained governance approval and started the program in candidacy for accreditation in 2006. The MSW program was fully accredited in 2010 and added two certificate programs in 2012.
Dr. Terrell wishes to be remembered for these program initiatives that were the dreams of her mentors, Dr. James McCabe and Dr. Christine Ponquinette. She hopes that this scholarship will continue to provide support to the next generation of students willing to work with the most vulnerable populations. She hopes they will get to know the pride and passion many of us will always have for social work and the Social Work program at the University of St.Francis.
Dr. Terrell wishes to be remembered for her pride and passion for the profession of social work and her commitment to the students at the University of St. Francis.
Trizna/Vargo Family Endowed Scholarship
The Trizna/Vargo family established this scholarship in 1985 to remember and honor the family members who have passed: Joseph and Cecilia Trizna (parents of Ceil and Anna Mae Trizna ; and Nandor Vargo (husband of Cele Trizna).
Lillian M. Tunze Scholarship Endowed Fund
Lillian Tunze was a lifelong resident of Lockport. She was a self-employed hairdresser and was an avid reader. She volunteered at the local Fish Pantry. Although she never attended college herself, she highly valued education and supported several local schools. This scholarship was established in 2004
Michael J. Vinciguerra Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Michael J. Vinciguerra, who retired as the eighth president of the University of St. Francis in May 2013 after 11 years of service.
The Wadsworth Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Wadsworth family is well-known across the United States and internationally for its influence and support of recreation due in great part to the more than 700 golf courses constructed. Brent and Jean Wadsworth are generous community members who believe in supporting the community in which they live. This scholarship was established in 2000.
MaryAnne Walker Mathematics Scholarship
MaryAnne Walker graduated from the College of St. Francis in 1970. She went on to pursue a master’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. A dedicated teacher, she taught for 10 years at Jefferson High School in Woodridge, followed by 25 years at Romeoville High School. In her role as a teacher, she molded, shaped, and influenced countless lives of young people. Her other accomplishments include co-authoring two calculus textbooks in the late 1980. This scholarship was established in 2012.
Packey and Eileen Webb Endowed Scholarship
Jeanette A. Wirt Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship was established in 2012.
Wyrostek Family Scholarship
Marie Zielinski Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Marie Zielinski was full of life and loved to have fun. A generous and loving young lady, her infectious smile would light up a room. Marie was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 25 while attending the University of St. Francis. Marie endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation while completing her field experiences and student teaching. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from USF and earned the designation Learning & Behavior Specialist (LBS1) in 2007 at the age of 26. She began teaching in the fall of 2007 at Farragut Elementary School in Joliet, Illinois. Marie touched many young lives in her short time as a Special Education Teacher. Marie lost her battle to cancer in 2009, but her legacy lives on through the Scholarship that bears her name. The scholarship was established in 2012.
Jean Catherine Zipf Scholarship Fund