Tag: scholarships

USF News

USF’s Caritas Event Raises Over $235,000 for Student Scholarships

2023 Caritas Committee

Joliet, Ill. – After two years of virtual events, the University of St. Francis (USF) hosted its 66th annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration back in the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center on its main campus in Joliet on Saturday, April 15, 2023. The event raised over $235,000 (and close to almost $3 million in the past ten years of the event) through a combination of live and silent auctions, a raffle, and other memorable activities all in support of student scholarships.

“For over 65 years, the annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration has served as the primary fundraiser for University of St. Francis scholarships. Caritas helps to make a college education possible for so many bright students – many who are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, USF provides them with over $23 million in institutional support, which makes a difference for many students who would not be able to obtain a college degree without financial assistance,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF Vice President for Advancement.

Sampalis added, though, that measuring the event’s success extends well beyond its total dollars raised.

“Beyond financial outcomes, success for Caritas includes building USF’s donor base with many first-time attendees that we hope will represent the next generation of donors for USF. Additionally, the Caritas Committee grew by fourteen new members this year, which resulted in seven tables of new attendees at the event. We continue to work as a USF community to build a Franciscan future together in our second century,” Sampalis added.

This year’s event, hosted by Anne and USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., welcomed 280 guests to campus to enjoy an evening themed as a “vintage collegiate affair” planned by a motivated Caritas Committee, which included: Tosh Anderson; Rosie and Cesar Cardenas, Michelle and Terry Cottrell; Jeanette D’Arcy; Nick D’Arcy; Sue and Terry D’Arcy; Iman Ellis-Bowen and Duane Bowen; Patty Gonzalez and Jay Barriga; Shane Green; Jen and Vic Howard; Kevin Howard; Annette Jelinek; Kaity and Jeff Kohl; Suzi and Gordon Marsh;  Frances Naal; Steph and Tyler Qualio; Ann and Steve Randich; Candice Rosen; Ann and Jeffrey Rzasa; Scott Savage; Jodi and Scott Schager; Gina and Brian Sharp; Maggie Sillar; Catherine and Michael Stowe; Wilhelmine and John Vidmar; Tracey and Dan Vogen; and Theresa Dollinger Waldron and Jon Waldron.

USF also credits the evening’s success to the generosity of this year’s sponsors, including:

St. Francis sponsor
D’Arcy Buick GMC

St. Clare sponsor
Wintrust Financial

Brown & Gold sponsors
Gloria and Ed Dollinger and Diane and Bill Habiger

Saint sponsors
Donna and John Przybyla
Sentinus Wealth Management – Stephanie and Tyler Qualio

Bernie sponsors
Barnes & Noble
Lori & Jay Bergman – First Secure Community Bank
Busey Bank
Crowther Roofing
Cheryl and Kevin McCarthy
Quest Food Management
Ann and Steve Randich
Stephanie and Daniel Streitz
Tracey and Dan Vogen
Patricia and Robert Wheeler

Friends sponsors
Marilyn and Tony Arellano
Regina and George Block
Julie and Robert Cannata
Tanisha and David Cannon
Rosie and Cesar Cardenas
Cathedral Area Preservation Association
Timothy Delrose
Cynthia and Robert Erickson
ExxonMobil
Hollywood Casino
IBEW Local 176
Patty Gonzalez and Jay Barriga
Jen and Vic Howard
KGG, LLC
Lindblad Construction
Frances Naal
PepsiCo
Candice Rosen
Tim Wallace Landscape Supply, Inc.
Wilhelmine and Jay Vidmar
Christopher and Mary Kathleen Ward

With the 66th annual event now in the books, USF already has its sights set on laying the foundation for next year’s event.

“We are delighted to announce that Caritas will once again take place on the main campus of USF on Saturday, April 13, 2024. More details will be forthcoming this summer,” Sampalis said.

For more information on Caritas, visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.

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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 Part of $10 Million Will County Heroes Scholarship Program to Boost Teaching and Nursing Recruitment

Will County Heroes

Joliet, Ill. – Will County officially launched the “Will County Heroes” scholarship program earlier this month to support students seeking careers in teaching and nursing. The County is investing $10 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars to increase recruitment in these high-demand fields and incentivize future graduates to work in Will County.

“Will County is proud to be empowering the next generation of heroes within our schools and hospitals,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “By working with partners throughout the county, we are supporting both quality education and long-term career success for students. I urge students to consider this scholarship opportunity as they plan for their future.”

Will County allocated $2.5 million to each higher education partner to implement the scholarship grant: Governors State University, Joliet Junior College, Lewis University, and University of St. Francis. Eligible students at each institution can receive $2,500 per semester or $5,000 an academic year to support their pursuit of a teaching or nursing degree.

A key goal of the program is to incentivize teaching and nursing graduates to grow their career in Will County. The program will aim to create an active pipeline to employers throughout the county after they graduate. The pipeline partners will support students as they grow their career after graduation, connecting them with a working environment that will foster positive career development.

“The University of St. Francis is privileged to support this strategic and visionary investment by Will County to address the critical demand for teachers and nurses to meet our present and future needs,” said Arvid C. Johnson, President of University of St. Francis. We are proud to join with our higher-education partners – at JJC, Lewis, and Governor’s State – in bringing this vision to reality in a way that will positively impact the county for years, if not decades, to come.”

Ascension St. Joseph and Silver Cross Hospital will act as the inaugural pipeline partners for nursing students. The Will County Center for Economic Development and Workforce Center of Will County will also support the development of career pipelines.

Will County Heroes aims to address shortages in the teaching and nursing profession, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible students include those pursuing teacher certification for elementary education, special education, and secondary education, along with students interested in becoming a Registered Nurse, either through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associates Degree in Nursing.

Will County has been allocated $134.1 million in ARPA funding as part of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Will County Board approved the $10 million investment in scholarships as part of a $23.5 million allocation into countywide economic development. All ARPA funding must be spent by Fall 2026.

Students can learn more about and apply for the Will County Heroes scholarship by contacting a USF admissions counselor at stfrancis.edu/admissions-counselors/. A full listing of program contacts for applications can be found at willcountyillinois.org/heroes.

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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 Joins Forces with TheDream.US to Support Students

USF and TheDream.US

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) has launched a new partnership with a national organization to provide scholarships to undocumented students who came to the United States as children. The partnership is expected to draw more than 50 applicants to USF this fall.

USF is now working with TheDream.US to enroll students and provide National Scholarships to undocumented youth — sometimes referred to as Dreamers — who are looking for access to higher education, but cannot access federal financial aid.

“The National Scholarship provides a student with up to $8,250 per year in tuition, with USF covering the remaining cost,” said Eric Ruiz, admissions director at USF.

“Providing students from any background or culture, including the children of immigrants, with access to a college education is strongly aligned with USF’s mission,” Ruiz said. “This is who we are and how we serve.”

USF has a tradition of serving first-generation college students (students who are the first in their family to attend college). Half of this year’s freshman class is comprised of first-generation students. Over the past ten years, approximately 58% of USF’s freshman classes have been comprised of first-generation students.

The new partnership is similar to USF’s Will County Access grant, which provides full tuition to students who live in Will County and who went to a Will County high school, but who also have significant financial need.

The National Scholarship was created for students with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) who came to the United States before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2017. The scholarship is renewable annually and is worth up to $33,000 toward a bachelor’s degree.

Eligible students can visit thedream.us to apply for the National Scholarship at the same time that they are applying to the USF (apply to USF free of charge at stfrancis.edu/apply). Note that the application window for the current round of National Scholarships is open and will close on February 28, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (final notifications will be sent via email in late April 2023). Applications to USF are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semesters. Contact Alejandro Campos, USF associate director of undergraduate admissions, at ACampos1@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-5028 with questions or 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 Pivots Annual Caritas Scholarship Ball to Virtual Format

Joliet, Ill. – For over 60 years, the annual Caritas Scholarship Ball has served as the University of St. Francis’ primary fundraiser for student scholarships. This year’s 65th annual event, originally planned as an in-person event on Saturday, January 29 at USF’s Sullivan Recreation Center, is pivoting to a virtual format out of an abundance of caution in response to a large and still-growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Will County area.

“Our Caritas Planning Committee, along with our Board of Trustees, unanimously felt that pivoting to a virtual format for this year’s event was necessary. Last year’s Caritas was our first-ever virtual event of its kind, and it was largely successful because of the generosity and support that is consistently demonstrated by USF alumni, friends and employees, especially when it comes to supporting our students. We are confident that this year’s event will see that level of support for our students, as well,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.

This year’s event, hosted by Arvid & Anne Johnson, will honor the University of St. Francis Board of Trustees and will feature many of the characteristics of annual Caritas events, including a special message from the University President, a student scholarship testimonial, silent and live auctions featuring wine baskets, travel experiences, golf packages and much more.

Virtual access to the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. (with the live program beginning at 6:30 p.m.), costs $100 per device/household and can be registered for now at stfrancis.edu/caritas. If you are looking for a way to create a group experience, consider a Friends Sponsorships for $1,000, which allows you the opportunity to participate in a watch party either in your home or via Zoom. All participants who have already registered will be contacted by a USF staff member who will provide details regarding virtual access.

Sponsorship packages, which also play an extremely important role in the success of the annual event, are still available for purchase and range from $1,000 to $10,000. Sponsorship packages include a variety of unique recognition opportunities.

“One of the wonderful aspects of last year’s virtual event was the participation of USF alumni from across the country. This support help USF to provide over $23 million in institutional support to USF students, many of whom are first-generation college students. These scholarships make a difference for many students who may not be able to attend and obtain a college degree. We are confident that this pivot to a virtual event will again draw the participation of USF alumni near and far, as well as friends and other supporters of the University, in a collective effort to support USF students,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF Director of Advancement.

The University of St. Francis would like to thank this year’s Caritas sponsors to date for their difference-making generosity: St. Francis Sponsors: Wintrust Commercial Banking; Old Plank Trail Community Bank; St. Clare Sponsors: Diane & Bill Habiger and Gloria & Edward Dollinger; Brown and Gold Sponsors: Barnes & Noble Booksellers; Anne & Arvid Johnson and Dede & Joe Mallof; Saint Sponsors: Sentinus Wealth Management; Bernie Sponsors: First Secure Bank; Northern Trust; Pepsi-Cola; Quest Food Management Services; Patricia & Robert Wheeler; Busey Bank; Cheryl & Kevin McCarthy; Jose Paramo; Mr. & Mrs. Victor Patterson; Ann & Steve Randich and Daniel Streitz; Friends Sponsors: Piazza & Mannerino Masonry; Silver Cross Hospital; Corey & Steve Carbery; KGG, LLC; Timothy Delrose; Dr. Iman Ellis Bowen; Francis Naal; Wilhelmine & John Vidmar; Regina & George Block; Wallace Landscape; Loretta Spesia; Candice Rosen and Timothy Delrose.

For sponsorship opportunities, auction ideas, or questions, please contact Penny Basso, USF Assistant Director of the Annual Fund-Caritas, by phone at 815-740-3748 or by email at pbasso@stfrancis.edu.

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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 52,000 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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Virtual Caritas Event Raises Over $280,000 for Students

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis spent all of 2020 celebrating its centennial. Even amidst the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the university found creative ways to carry on the celebration, serving as yet another example of the perseverance displayed by Joliet’s university for the past 100 years. So when it came time to host the 64th Annual Caritas Scholarship Ball, the university’s largest annual fundraiser in support of student scholarships, USF once again creatively pivoted as necessitated by the ongoing pandemic to present the first-ever “From Our Home to Yours” Virtual Caritas Scholarship Ball, on January 30, 2021, and raised over $280,000 in the process.

“We are extremely thankful for the support so many individuals and organizations showed through this year’s virtual event. From the attendees and sponsors to our Caritas Committee chairs, Ann and Steve Randich, and Corey and Steve Carbery, and the entire Caritas Committee, so many people contributed in their own way to create an experience that was both unique and largely successful,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.

Although this year’s event required virtual participation by attendees, the event’s organizers ensured that Caritas included aspects of the traditions established through past events. Some of these traditions included a welcome from hosts Anne and Arvid Johnson; toasts made by USF trustees, Caritas Committee members, and alumni; warm wishes of welcome from the Caritas Committee chairs; the musical offerings of the USF Jazz Ensemble; and the stories of students – told by the students, themselves – and their unique educational journeys throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Those traditions, coupled with other event staples such as the silent and live auctions, paddle raise and raffle, combined for an impressive experience that yielded successful results just as past in-person events had accomplished.

“It the midst of the great uncertainty of the past year, one thing remained certain: our donors’ support of USF students. Since 2014, Caritas events have raised over $2.5 million in USF student scholarship support. In its 64-year history, Caritas events have raised over $6 million in USF student scholarship support. These examples not only demonstrate the importance of this annual event, but also the impact it has in helping to make a USF education possible for so many students,” Johnson added.

With the 64th annual event now in the books, USF’s sights have already been set on laying the foundation for next year’s event.

“We are delighted to announce the 65th Annual Caritas Scholarship Ball will return to campus on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in the Pat Sullivan Center on our main campus in Joliet. More details will be forthcoming this summer, but we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back to campus in 2022,” Johnson said.

For more information on Caritas, visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.

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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 51,000 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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Scholarship Opportunity Supports Students of Color Who Aspire to Become Teachers

Joliet, Ill. – Local data has shown that there is a sharp contrast between student and teacher demographics. In fact, a large gap currently exists between the percentages of students of color and teachers of color in Joliet’s schools. A scholarship opportunity offered by the University of St. Francis (USF) for qualifying students of color who aspire to become teachers is helping to address this gap.

The Multicultural Education Recruitment in Teaching (MERIT) Scholarship at USF provides a four (4) year scholarship up to $8,000 per year for eligible seniors applying to USF as a first-year freshman, as well as a two (2) year scholarship up to $2,000 per year for eligible students applying to USF as a junior-level transfer. Awards are offered in conjunction with other scholarships/grants and will apply to the direct cost of USF full-time undergraduate tuition and fees. This scholarship opportunity is open to all eligible high school and community college students.

Scholarship requires that applicants are:

  • a student of African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, or Native American origin;
  • a U.S. Citizen or eligible non U.S. Citizen with demonstrated financial need;
  • a high school or transfer student with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, and
  • able to commit to teach in Joliet public schools for either two or four years upon graduation from USF.

Scholars are selected based on qualities that indicate their potential to become exemplary teachers. Visit stfrancis.edu/merit to apply today or to request additional information. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2021 for the 2021–22 academic year.

The MERIT project is a partnership between the University of St. Francis (USF), Joliet Township High School District 204, Joliet Public Schools District 86, Joliet Junior College, and the surrounding community.

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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 51,000 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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MERIT Scholarship