June 2019
Saints Connection
E-Newsletter
The University of St. Francis is proud to serve more than 49,000 alumni across the world. If you are interested in alumni events and programs, mentoring a current student, career services, or alumni benefits and discounts, the Alumni & Family Relations Office is here to assist you with whatever your post-graduation needs may be.
Lisa Ringstmeyer graduated in 2016 and is now a radiation therapist at Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center. After observing a radiation therapy department during her first year of college she became interested in the field, and her mom encouraged her to go into healthcare. She also found time to get involved in USF athletics. Read more...
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, alumnus Mark Zubov ’14, ’15 came to the University of St. Francis to study finance and international business while also playing on the men’s tennis team. Before coming to Joliet to study at USF, Zubov had never been to the U.S. However, he believes the transition could not have been easier. Read more...
Michael Beshel has been a model USF graduate student… three times! Beshel received his master’s in Health Administration in 2006, MBA in 2008, and an MSN in 2014. Often referred to as a “triple-alum” at USF, an individual with three degrees exhibits hard work, loyalty, and a true commitment to the Franciscan values. Read more...
USF alumnus Michael Merritt, Ed.D., ’15, has been named the 2019 Illinois Elementary School Principal of the Year by Horace Mann and the Illinois Principal’s Association (IPA). Merritt, who currently serves as principal at Brentwood Elementary School in Des Plaines was humbled to learn of the high honor. Read more...
The USF Athletic Department invites alumni, students, employees, and friends of the university to enjoy a day on the links at the annual Pat Sullivan Golf Outing scheduled for Friday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Inwood Golf Course in Joliet.

Show your support for the Fighting Saints by golfing in the event ($160 per golfer or $640 per foursome and includes continental breakfast, greens fees, cart, lunch at the turn, dinner and a commemorative jacket), by taking advantage of one of the many sponsorship opportunities offered, or by even just enjoying dinner after the outing ($25 per person). Reservations are required and space is limited to the first 40 foursomes.

To register online, visit HERE .

Please note that golfer registration closes on June 3, 2019. For more information on the event or to register in person, please call 815-740-3842.

Join alumni and friends as we host a Patio Party before the White Sox play the New York Yankees! Then, we’ll move to our seats to enjoy a night of baseball and friends.

Saturday, June 15
3:15 USF Shuttle Departure
Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago
$75 each | *$5 of each is a USF donation

Purchase your tickets HERE.
An alumni mentor is a guide, friend, and resource who shares educational and professional experiences to provide career guidance and professional contacts. Alumni mentors are partnered with students based on similar career paths, interests, and goals.

2019 Student Alumni Mentoring Program (SAM) Award Winners
Student Mentee of the Year
Liz Badalamenti
Alumni Mentor of the Year
Amanda Bueche
Student Mentee Superstars
Lexi Gregorash
Julie Jandeska
Alumni Mentor Superstars
Julie Futterer ’93, ’18
Keith Schomig ’13, ’17
Heather Poma ’02, ’11
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the SAM Awards this year. There were many great nominations, but two standouts who did a fantastic job this year with their matches. We’ve also identified superstar winners as our honorable mentions because they also had great experiences and nominations.
Congratulations to our winners! We are so grateful for the commitment each of you has shown this program and look forward to your continued impact on USF.
College Awards:   Do you know, or are you, a USF alumnus/a with outstanding professional and personal successes and/or involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities? Consider nominating a worthy alum candidate!
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • College of Business & Health Administration
  • College of Education
  • Leach College of Nursing

Presidential Award Winner:  I n addition to the above awards, each year, our president selects someone who has made an impact at the university or within their profession or community. This deserving individual will be honored along with the college award recipients.

Anyone can nominate a USF Alum, and nominations are due by July 31. Recipients are selected by the Executive Board of the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors.


Introducing the latest issue of USF’s Engaging Mind & Spirit magazine, featuring new USF Provost Beth Roth, Ph.D., servant leadership, and service through business research. This issue also highlights other noteworthy programs, projects and people in our welcoming community of learners. Explore the issue HERE .
Do you know anyone who may be interested in attending USF? Let them know about Discover USF Days and Saturday Information Sessions .
Discover USF Days are information sessi ons that take place on school holidays such as Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day. Morning and afternoon presentations allow you greater flexibility to do multiple things on your school holiday.

* Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, 10 a.m., 2 p.m.
* Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, 10 a.m., 2 p.m.

Please join us for a short-format Saturday Information Session! You will learn more about what St. Francis offers in an admission presentation from 10-10:30 a.m., followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, and culminating with a campus tour from 10:45-11:30 a.m. 

*June 1, 8, 15 & 29, 10 a.m.
*July 13, 20 & 27, 10 a.m.

Prospective students can reserve a spot today by contacting the
Welcome Center at 815-740-2270 or [email protected].

As part of its 100-year celebration in 2020, USF is embarking on a Centennial Campaign with strategic initiatives that will help beautify campus, increase scholarships and honor our heritage. This campaign is an important part of how USF is enhancing the learning environment, showing its commitment to affordable excellence and ensuring a USF education remains within reach of bright, hard-working students and their families.

To learn more about the Centennial Campaign,  click  HERE  or contact Kristin Short, Vice President for University Advancement, at  [email protected]  or 815-740-3613.
Saturday, July 27 | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 10 | 5 p.m. Departure
Friday, August 30
6 p.m. Men | 6:25 p.m. Women
Friday, September 13 | 8 a.m. Departure
Thursday, October 10 | 6 p.m.

Saturday, September 21
Saturday, November 9

Business Alumni Network (BAN)
9 a.m. | Executive Conf. Room, Motherhouse

Mass Communications Alumni Network (MCAN) 10:30 a.m. | Tower Hall, 4th Floor
Wednesday, November 20 | 11 a.m.
Saturday, December 7 | 8:30 a.m.
Friday, December 20 | 4:30 p.m. Departure
USF's very own golfers  Sarah Maddox  and  Rafe Lawson  both earned All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference honors, the conference announced. Read more...
The USF Athletic Department hosted the 5th annual Bernie Awards at the Rialto last month. The event celebrated the best of the year in USF athletics. Read more...
Many teams and groups within the USF athletic department volunteered with various organizations around the Chicagoland area during the past year.  Read more...
Support your Fighting Saints as they face their competitors! Check out the schedule for 2019-20 athletic events HERE . Events are added as they are scheduled. Alumni receive free admission to all home games hosted by USF.

USF Alumni recieve 10% all purchases at both Home Cut Donuts at 815 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet and Mr. Submarine at 1507 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. 

University of St. Francis