Tag: College of Arts & Sciences

USF News

USF’s McDermott to Release Book of Poetry on May 1

Joliet, Ill. – Beth McDermott, an assistant professor of English and foreign languages at the University of St. Francis (USF), has always wanted to write a book. In fact, it has been a dream she has held since third grade. On May 1, McDermott’s first full-length collection of poetry, Figure 1, will be released.

In Figure 1, McDermott is deeply invested in the ekphrastic tradition of writing poetry after works of visual art by artists that range from Degas to Audubon to Stieglitz, while also narrativizing a still life and arguing on behalf of a story or perspective beyond the frame.

“I’ve been studying ekphrastic poetry since graduate school, and I’ve had the chance to teach a “Poets Look at Paintings” poetry writing workshop at USF twice now; having the chance to read literature and criticism related to the types of poetry I like to write proved very resourceful in writing the book,” McDermott said.

While Figure 1 will be McDermott’s first full-length release, it is not her first publication. In 2015 (the year she came to USF), McDermott published How to Leave a Farmhouse, a chapbook inspired by the Rural Historic Structural Survey of New Lenox Township. However, even with that publication under her belt, McDermott continued to eye a larger poetry-based project.

“As exciting as it was to have a chapbook, or a booklet of poetry under 40 pages in length, I really wanted to publish a full-length collection of poetry. I’ve been working towards this goal in my years on the tenure track at USF, writing poems that I published in literary magazines and hoped to arrange as a collection,” McDermott said.

While publishing a book helps McDermott achieve a dream she’s had since childhood, she credits the journey to this point for reinforcing something in which she firmly believes: writing is hard work, and it doesn’t happen in complete isolation.

“I had the chance to work with USF student Eve Odum on a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grant Eve received to produce a podcast about book publishing. Eve’s podcast is called Book Publishing from Beginning to End, and each episode features an interview with a local author of young adult novels and children’s books. Interviewing award-winning writers such as Ruth Behar reinforced to me that writing a book is a lot of drafting and revising, a lot of sharing with friends for feedback. Sometimes you have to hire an editor, and rejection is common. But persistence is really the key, and it helps to have people around who you can talk to who are knowledgeable about the process,” McDermott explained.

Figure 1 will be available on Amazon.com and through Pine Row Press on May 1.

About Beth McDermott

Beth McDermott, Ph.D., teaches writing and literature courses at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., where she is an assistant professor of English and foreign languages and coordinator of the St. Francis Writers’ Conference. Recent poetry appears in Pine Row, Memorious, and Tupelo Quarterly. Reviews and criticism about art and ecology appear in American Book Review, After the Art, Kenyon Review Online, and The Trumpeter. She’s the recipient of a Distinguished Teaching Award, an Illinois Speaks Micro-Grant, and first place in the Regional Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest. She is editor in chief at Cider Press Review and lives with her family in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

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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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USF News

USF Announces Fall 2021 Graduates

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) celebrated its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 18, to recognize its graduates for the fall 2021 semester. Three in-person ceremonies (College of Education Ceremony at 9 a.m.; College of Business & Health Administration Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.; and the College of Arts & Sciences and Leach College of Nursing Ceremonies at 2 p.m.) were held in USF’s Pat Sullivan Center on the university’s main campus in Joliet. USF congratulates its graduates and wishes them peace, success, and the very best in all of their endeavors. USF Fall 2021 graduates included: College of Arts & Sciences Master’s Degrees Jenna Lanoue (Manteno, IL) Master of Social Work – Social Work Davisha Pulley (Joliet, IL) Master of Social Work – Social Work Bachelor’s Degrees Matthew Attard (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Thiago Bandeira (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Jacob Bayuk (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Communication & Media Arts Sara Cahill (Kinsman, IL) Bachelor of Arts – English Morgan Cattle-McKenzie (Hull, United Kingdom) Bachelor of Science – Biology Laisha Corona (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Jennifer Duax (Crestwood, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Katherine Fierro (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Social Work – Social Work Keely Garbacz (Hickory Hills, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Recreation & Sport Management Amanda Graf (Kankakee, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Matthew Hamilton (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Computer Science Brandon Jarosz (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science – Digital Audio Recording Arts Yashleen Kheterpal (Durg, Chhattisgarh, India) Bachelor of Science – Computer Science Martina Kotrba (Minooka, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Zhaobo Liu (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics & Computer Science Alexander Lopez (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Joshua Martinez (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Charleen Mascote (Streator, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Terra Metz (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics-Secondary Kelli Pietrowski (Wheeling, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Psychology Erica Powers (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Jose Sanchez (Wood Dale, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Hannah Schilling (Ottawa, IL) Bachelor of Social Work – Social Work Alexa Valencia-Corona (Decatur, IL) Bachelor of Science – Biology Alyssa Vann (Crete, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Ryan Webb (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science – Digital Audio Recording Arts Brooklyn Withey (Lapeer, MI) Bachelor of Arts – Criminal & Social Justice Maoyun Xu (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Mathematics & Computer Science College of Business & Health Administration Master’s Degrees Mohammed Alazman (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Abdullah Alshojaa (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Thaddeus Ampadu (Romeoville, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Temitope Asein (Matteson, IL) Master of Science – Management Wendy Bell (Harker Heights, TX) Master of Science – Health Administration Amy Biggs (Manito, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Justin Bradley (Beach Park, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Sherrie Brock (Olney, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Natalie Burks (East Peoria, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Bret Byars (Irondale, AL) Master of Science – Health Administration Peter Couri (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Luke Davis (Herbster, WI) Master of Science – Health Administration David DiLorenzo (Minooka, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Daniel Duplessis (Lockport, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Erhiga Ekhama (Rochester, MN) Master of Science – Health Administration Jaclyn Fisher (Arlington, VA) Master of Science – Health Administration Noah Fritz (Bourbonnais, IL) Master of Science – Management Stefanie Gall (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Theresa Gavilan (Gilberts, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Kira Gleason (Braidwood, IL) Master of Science – Management Xochitl Guzman (San Fernando, CA) Master of Science – Health Administration Erin Hardin (Apollo Beach, FL) Master of Science – Health Administration Kyle Hoffman (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Dasha Humphries (Birmingham, AL) Master of Science – Health Administration Mara Johnson (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Management Carissa Jones (Whiting, IN) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Anne Kindelin (Campton Hills, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Stephanie Klavohn (Naperville, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Christina Kuzava (Minooka, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Christine Lawrence (Crete, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Eriel Lockhart (Chicago, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Jill Moss (Peoria, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Susan Muscat (Grosse Ile, MI) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Ari Norfleet (Bartlett, IL) Master of Science – Management Christopher Novak (Cape Coral, FL) Master of Science – Management Paulette Richardson (Nassau, FC) Master of Science – Training & Development Joshua Schreckengost (Campbell, CA) Master of Science – Health Administration Laketa Simpson (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Karen Storer (Des Plaines, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Callie Surber (Hanover Park, IL) Master of Science – Training & Development Russell Tillery (Portland, OR) Master of Science – Management Blaine Tisdale (Denver, CO) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Taylor Valant (Pompano Beach, FL) Master of Science – Management Elizabeth Wall (South Elgin, IL) Master of Science – Health Administration Amy Wegrzyn (Chicago Heights, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Cayla Wojcik (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Management Christopher Zmudka (Joliet, IL) Master of Business Administration – Business Administration Bachelor’s Degrees Megan Ackland (Rochelle, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Christian Aguayo (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Autumn Barbey (Du Bois, PA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Barbara Berka (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Constance Bridges (Peoria, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Amanda Casey (Wauconda, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Clayton Cash (Morris, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance Rien Covington (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Kimberly Currin (Merrillville, IN) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Goofran Dalwan (Bridgeview, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Christina Durbin (Taylorville, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Russell Egan (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Eric Estrada (Conyers, GA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Mark Gezik (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship Dylan Gilbert (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Ronald Gilliam (Gridley, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Antonio Gutierrez (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Molly Harej (Bloomington, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Lynda Jandek (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Evan Jaros (Yorkville, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Christopher Johnson (Hillside, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Audrey Johnston (Amherst, NH) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Annmarie Kalemis (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Colin Kelly (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Lea Klucinski (Matteson, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Nicole Lakomski (Schaumburg, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Tashari Loggins (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Eric Maffie (Coal Valley, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Madison Maloney (Seneca, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Candice May (Country Club Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Cavell Miller (Atlanta, GA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Leadership Jennifer Nemeth (Loda, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Michael Nickel (Des Peres, MO) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Kenny Park (Birmingham, AL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Sergio Peres (Goiania, Goias, Brazil ) Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business Elizabeth Rohrer (Mokena, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Heather Sampson (Ocean Shores, WA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Hailey Santore (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Emily Schrader (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Amanda Simale (Highland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Jessica Smyk (Reading, PA) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Abbey Spesia (Coal City, IL) Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Care Management Sheng-Ju Ting (Taoyuan, Taiwan) Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Mary Turner (Pekin, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Crystal Ulrich (Pekin, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Briana Washington (Country Club Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science – Business Administration (BS) Michele Whitehurst (East Peoria, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) Alejandra Zavala (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science – Health Care Management (BS) College of Education Doctoral Degrees Benita Anderson (Lynwood, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Misha Blackman (Flossmoor, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Tamela Daniels (Oswego, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Jessica Knobbe (Plainfield, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Christine Moskalik (Shorewood, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Nancy Oesterreich (Algonquin, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Rudy Puente (Chicago, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Anni Rasmussen (Orland Park, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Yovan Reyes (Valrico, FL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Catherine Rienzo (Macungie, PA) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Robert Schiffbauer (Minooka, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Paula Sereleas (New Lenox, IL) Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Master’s Degrees Meghan Aguilar (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Abigail Allen (Batavia, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Amy Betts (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Sean Brandt (Arlington Heights, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Todd Brown (Aurora, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Dana Browne (New Lenox, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Alicia Carlisle (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Luz Carmona Colon (Morris, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Patrick Cunningham (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Jamie Cuny (Wheaton, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Kristin Drake (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Amanda Esgar (Morris, IL) Master of Science – Reading Scott Fulton (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Paul Gibbs (Northbrook, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Marissa Goodlet (Newark, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Patrick Goy (La Salle, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shelly Gupta (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Brittany Halliday (Coal City, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Brandon Harding (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Melissa Hill (Joliet, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Gabrielle Horabik (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Briana Ingram (Rockdale, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Laura James (Bourbonnais, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Eileen Kapcar (Park Ridge, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Scott Klepadlo (Niles, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Samydra Lakes (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Christine Lawson (Bloomingdale, IL) Master of Science – Reading Karen Lee (Carol Stream, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Zoe Levin (Bellevue, WA) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shannon Martin (Homer Glen, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Gina Miglieri (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Linda Miller (Westchester, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Elizabeth Molla (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Mary Murdie (Manhattan, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning J Ivan Ortiz (Joliet, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Richard Ortiz (Lombard, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Erin Perkinson (Arlington Heights, IL) Master of Science – Reading Jessica Perry (Carpentersville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Clara Prosiliakos (Norridge, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Alexandra Rambo (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Shannon Rolland (Minooka, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Amanda Schmidt (South Elgin, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Lauren Siadak (Mokena, IL) Master of Education – Elementary Educ Licensure Kevin Smith (Plainfield, IL) Master of Education – Middle Grades Education Amy Smith (Orland Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Taylor Sobieski (Naperville, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Jennifer Starkman (Yorkville, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Josephine Tadros (Mokena, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Michelle Taylor (Yorkville, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Zachary Vienne (Newark, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Allison Warner (Chicago, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Paul Welsh (Oak Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Elizabeth Witt (New Lenox, IL) Master of Science – Educational Leadership Jennifer Wood (Tinley Park, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Aaron Wurtzel (Wheaton, IL) Master of Science – Teaching & Learning Bachelor’s Degrees Zachary Earls (Channahon, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Middle Grades Education Samantha Fritts (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Arts – Elementary Education Leach College of Nursing Master’s Degrees Lisa Borgealt (Westmont, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tammy Dubose (Gurnee, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Magdalena Huisman (Winfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Zuzana Killam (Jacksonville, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Samantha Kulpa (Chicago, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Marcey Millage (Moline, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing-RN BS MSN Sherry Nelson (Santa Fe, NM) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Roseanne Niese (McHenry, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Abosede Ogundimu (Montgomery, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Nancy Robinson (North Judson, IN) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Susan Swager (Grand Island, FL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Rhonda Sykes (Plainfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Sally-Ann Tamizuddin (Springfield, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nancy Tomasek (Bartlett, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Renalda Tomic (Chicago, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ikechukwu Uzoaru (Bloomington, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Brenda Weaver (South Jacksonville, IL) Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Bachelor’s Degrees Kristin Aagaard (Algonquin, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Sarah Abulaila (Palos Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Islam Ali (Oak Lawn, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Adriana Aparicio Montalvo (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Stephanie Arellano (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jehan Atieh (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Janine Bahhur (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ahlam Bakerkhatib -Taha (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Riley Brandt (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Erin Bulow (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniel Capobianco (Geneva, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nathalia Chavez (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Amy Chlebanowski (Wheaton, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Megan Clendening (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jaycie Cummins (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Olivia De La Rosa (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Farah Douleh (Oak Lawn, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Annahi Fierro (Braidwood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Danielle Flowers (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tatiana Foster (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Kelly Galiniak (Willowbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Paige Gieseke (Algonquin, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniela Gonzalez (St Charles, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Bryanna Gueness (Mokena, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Madisyn Hannion (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Gabryella Herrera (Bolingbrook, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jalyn Hobbs (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Hailey Huml (Wilmington, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Daniella Hunt (Downers Grove, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ayh Ismail (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tanell Jennings (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Stephanie Kincaid (Tinley Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lillian Knapp (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Maria Lawson (Manhattan, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Samantha Lazzara (Chicago, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Susan Lecuyer (Bourbonnais, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Karina Madanowski (Homer Glen, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Rebecca Marinellie (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Lana Mazoni (Orland Park, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Amanda Meyers (Lockport, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Joanna Nowicki (Morris, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Shannon O’Brien (Frankfort, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jessica Ochenkowski (Hickory Hills, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Juliet Ogbeni Destiny (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Alejandra Osorio-Mendez (Mt Prospect, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Esmeralda Perez (Aurora, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Nicole Quinones (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Cullen Rompa (Plainfield, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Tichina Tam (Oak Forest, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Jennifer Tedeschi (Joliet, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lauren Todd (Minooka, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Breanna Vaira (Romeoville, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Marissa Valencia (New Lenox, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Colleen Waddell (Linden, PA) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion Tiana Weddington (Montgomery, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Maria Weiland (Downers Grove, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Ashley Witkowski (Homer Glen, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Lauren Wojcik (Oak Forest, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing Cynthia Wood (Shorewood, IL) Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing, BSN Completion : : 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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USF Student’s Photography Appears on NBC’s Today Show

Jaclyn Duske's photograph of country singer Josh Turner
Joliet, Ill. – Being able to gain real world experience by photographing one of your favorite musicians in concert is rewarding. Learning that those photographs were used during that musician’s appearance on NBC’s Today Show with Hoda & Jenna is unforgettable. For University of St. Francis sophomore Jaclyn Duske, the itch to explore photography began back when she was in 7th grade. “My grandfather was a photographer and actually gave me my first camera – a little Nikon CoolPix – in 7th grade. I enjoyed art and drawing, but I started taking classes in high school. I stuck with it and it looks like it is now paying off,” Duske said. It is certainly paying off. Duske, who is double-majoring in photography and graphic design, is already gaining valuable and memorable experiences as a student in USF’s Art & Design Department. With the help of professor Michael “Chester” Alamo-Costello, MFA, Duske arranged for an opportunity to photograph country music star Dwight Yoakam in concert last August at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Ill. “I did one concert at the Rialto at the end of August, right before the first day of classes. Professor Alamo-Costello has arranged student shoots at Joliet and Chicago music venues since the start of The COMP Magazine (the USF Art & Design Department’s nonprofit art, design and culture magazine) in 2013. He reached out to Valerie Devine, executive director of the Rialto. He indicated he had a student interested in concert photography. He asked if I would be able to come in and photograph the upcoming Dwight Yoakam, and she said ‘yes’. I got a press pass and had to sign a media release. Per the terms of that release, I was only able to take photographs during three songs and could use only three pictures to accompany a story I wrote for The COMP,” Duske said. From that single experience, Duske was immediately hooked. A few months later, she attended a photography workshop with the photographer for country singer Luke Combs. Then when she saw that country music star Josh Turner was scheduled for a late November concert at the Rialto, she contacted Devine with hopes of photographing that show. “I love country music and saw that Josh Turner was coming to the Rialto in November, so I reached out to see if I could shoot that show. Thankfully, I was able to and I received a press pass. There was no media release this time around, but I was told that Josh Turner’s management team wanted to use some of my photos afterwards. So, I shot the show and sent my photos to his management team, who loved them and asked for permission to use them for promotional purposes,” Duske said. Two days later, the Turner’s management team sent an email to Duske with two screenshots of her photos used on NBC’s Today. Understandably, Duske was pleasantly surprised. “It was absolutely crazy. I just couldn’t believe it. I was working on a class project with my friends when I found out and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m on the Today Show!’”, she said. Duske said that she continues to keep in contact with Turner’s management team with aspirations of photographing future shows. She also photographs home athletic contests for the USF Fighting Saints. These experiences are important, as Duske’s plans following graduation in two years involve a career in professional photography, either as a concert or touring artist photographer or a sports photographer. When she is not behind the camera or in class, Duske volunteers at Victory Reigns Therapeutic Riding Center in Peotone, Ill., four to five days each week. “I started volunteering at Victory Reigns seven years ago. We work with children and adults with disabilities and at-risk youth. I absolutely love it. I love horses and have been riding since I was 8. It’s something I have always been passionate about,” Duske said. Duske took notice of USF when she learned of its annual high school art show from her high school art teacher. While participating in the show, Duske toured the university’s art facility and soon placed USF atop her list of prospective schools. But it wasn’t until she received what she calls “a sign” that she knew she was meant to be at USF. “When I toured the main campus, the first place they took us was the chapel. When we were leaving the chapel, I saw hanging on the wall a framed panel of wood with praying hands burned into it. I knew immediately that it was one of my grandfather’s works. I told my mom I knew it was his and I knew it was a sign that USF was the place I was supposed to be,” she said. After talking with her grandfather, Duske learned that it was, indeed, one of his works that he had given to one of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate, USF’s Sister sponsors, years back. As she begins the second half of her sophomore year, Duske is enjoying her USF experience. “It has been such a good experience. I never thought that I would have access to the number of opportunities I have had at USF to date. I can’t wait to see what’s next,” she said. : : 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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Enjoy Christmas at the Motherhouse with USF

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) Music & Performing Arts Department presents Christmas at the Motherhouse: From Darkness to Light at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 in St. Joseph Chapel in the Motherhouse on the main USF campus in Joliet (520 Plainfield Road). USF’s own Claritas Master Chorale and Schola Cantorum will join forces to sing traditional works by J.S. Bach, Holst, and newer works by Susan Labarr and others. Tickets are free of charge. To reserve your tickets, please email kjimenez@stfrancis.edu.  Due to COVID restrictions, tickets are limited to four per party and will be available only on a first-come, first-served basis.  Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test from within 72 hours of the event will be required for entry to the performance. : : 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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USF’s Jaskowiak Releases Studio Album with Filikso and Ortega

Friendship album cover

Joliet, Ill. – True friendship can be an endeavor of love, heart, passion, perseverance and timing. Friendship, the new album by USF digital audio recording arts instructor Jeff Jaskowiak and his trio-mates Joe Filisko and Larry Ortega, fits that definition, as well.

Friendship, available now on CD and as a digital download at jaskomusic.com and jaskomusic.bandcamp.com, is a collection of songs drawn from the past five decades. The thirteen-track, 70-minute album opens with the energetic “Rejoice”, which sets the tone for a diverse collection of songs that showcase the talents of each band member while also telling musical stories about Jaskowiak’s life experiences. Some of the album’s tracks such as “Song for the Princess” and “Even in Their Sleep” (the album’s oldest song) reflect themes of love and faith, while other tracks including “Big Skies, Majestic Lands” and “Bisbee Rain” pay homage to Jaskowiak’s travels to Arizona and New Mexico.

Jaskowiak provided all guitar and bass work for the album, along with the vocals for the album’s only song with lyrics, “Delight”. Filisko provided all harmonica work and Ortega provided drums and percussion. Together, the trio produces a style Jaskowiak refers to as “thrashing acoustic”.

“Our style is very rhythmic and very responsive. On each track, you can hear the conversational energy as the individual instruments work together and off each other. The idea is simple: revere the groove. There is something inherent with good music. When we hear it, we can’t help but start moving to it.” Jaskowiak said.

Some parts of Friendship were recorded in the 1990s and from 2000 to 2007, but the process was paused as Jaskowiak focused on his priorities as an instructor and as a student (he earned a master’s degree in music technology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2015). The recording process resumed in 2016 and concluded in 2020, followed by the mixing and mastering of the album in 2021.

About Jasko’, Filisko and Ortega

As the new album’s title, Friendship, indicates, these three real-life friends and music contemporaries reflects a true respect that each member has for one another.

“I met Joe at Joliet Junior College in 1984 as a guitar student and he has been a dear, encouraging and steadfast friend since. He is a melodic force, performing melodies and solos with power, grace and bronco agility. This album shows the wide breath of possibilities of the harmonica in colors, textures, orchestrations, ferocity and beauty, like no other harmonica album ever recorded,” Jaskowiak said.

Jaskowiak has shared a friendship with Ortega since the late 1970s.

“Larry has been a life-long friend since 1979. He is a drummer and percussionist extraordinaire, and it was an honor and a joy to work on this project with a giant in the rhythm and creative music world. He has blessed this recording with unbelievable performances with the strength and elegance of Shadowfax, driving creative, responsive, rhythmic energy and nuance making it a listening pleasure every time,” Jaskowiak said.

As for himself, his first studio album serves as a capstone project for studies that began when he was just 10 years old.

“I started playing guitar with my cousins and friends when I was ten and have been bitten since then. I was extremely lucky to study with Mick Goodrick, Gary Burton and Pat Methney at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz clinics in my late high school and early college years. These teachers shined the lights and pointed to the paths that my understanding of and ability to develop chops. Some of my compositional inspirations are Michael Hedges, Antoine Dufour, Joe Satriani, Vicente Amigo, Broce Cockburn, Sting, Jaco Pastorius, Michael Manring, Louis Johnson, Victor Wotten and Bill Coleman to name a few. As you can see my love is for guitar and bass, especially acoustic guitars, and great composers. These are ineffable mentors to stand on the shoulders of,” he said.

On Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. CST, Jaskowiak and Ortega will be guests on the Music & Conversation webinar hosted by Filisko and Eric Noden for a conversation about Friendship. Visit jaskomusic.com to register for a free ticket.

Jaskowiak’s Career at USF

Jaskowiak began his USF career in 1996 as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time instructor and administrator in 2010. In 2009, Jaskowiak created USF’s Digital Audio Recording Arts program that began as a concentration that grew to become its own major in 2015 (Jaskowiak also led the build out of the USF recording studio during the summers of 2010 and 2011). Through the program, Jaskowiak is able to share his expertise as a recording engineer, artist, guitar instructor and music industry consultant.

“The goal of the Digital Audio Recording Arts program at USF is to produce musically sophisticated and sensitive professionals who have sufficient technical knowledge to excel in the technology based production industry, helping to define quality using both musical and technical criteria. Students in the program will acquire the knowledge, principles and practices of engineering methodology and creative music production techniques to permit them to adapt quickly and effectively to the rapidly changing world of music creation, production and distribution,” Jaskowiak offered.

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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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Academics, Saint Spotlights

Dan Knapp Talks Social Work

dan knapp headshotVisiting professor Dan Knapp, Ph.D., LSW, USF’s Bachelor of Social Work program director, was recently interviewed recently by an online social work resource called “MSW Online.” Read his expert advice about pursuing a BSW (and consider USF for yours!)

What are the most important factors for students deciding on a BSW program?
Many students have a strong passion for what they want to learn in addition to how they want to apply that learning. One of the most important factors for deciding on a BSW program is to follow that passion. For example, many people who enter the helping profession have a strong desire to improve the lives of others or advance some process or policy that influences others. A social work degree effectively prepares students to become these change agents.

What kinds of hands-on or fieldwork experiences are available to your BSW students?
Students are offered very diverse opportunities. These opportunities can include, but are not limited to, experiences in healthcare (i.e., hospitals or nursing home-related), child welfare agencies, county services, schools, advocacy centers, and crisis centers to name a few. Students will have opportunities to work with a wide range of populations throughout the developmental periods (i.e., adolescents through late states of life), veterans, homelessness, people of varying cultural or racial backgrounds, and those with mental illness as examples.

Can students take electives, or customize their BSW experience?
Students are required to enroll in specific foundational courses that effectively prepare them to work with diverse populations. In addition, students have opportunities to register for additional elective courses that can provide added experiences to specific areas of social work practice.

What does it take to be successful as a BSW student?
A strong desire to learn and help others. As a part of any clinical practice, students must have a desire to improve themselves first. This means taking the time to learn and assess their strengths and talents. Then, students can apply the skills and knowledge learned to help others.

What types of jobs are BSW graduates finding?
Students are finding jobs within hospitals, nursing home facilities, advocacy centers, and activity directors for mentorship programs to name a few. Many students elect to enroll in the one-year MSW program to obtain their master’s in social work degree which effectively opens opportunities for jobs such as other areas of healthcare, schools, private practice, etc.

If you had to choose one or two books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, etc. to be included on a required reading list for social work students, what would it be?
This is a great question, and I would always recommend students to invest time into recently published materials found on the scholarly databases. For example, what is currently literature saying about people’s mental health given COVID-19 and how does this compare to prior decades? How are different cultures or racial groups being impacted? Now, if I have to truly provide one resource, I have always enjoyed the video called The Secret Life of the Brain which helps students understand the power of the brain on human functioning.