University of St. Francis Library Archives

This past weekend was homecoming at USF and I hosted a “USF History in Pictures.” Over the two hours, there were alumni from the 1991 nursing class, a couple 1992 business majors, and about 10 women from the 1966 class. They were celebrating their 50 th reunion! They reminisced about dorm living in Tower Hall, which consisted of 10pm curfews and 10 person rooms during their freshmen year. Still an all-girls school in 1966, they needed permission from their parents to go on dates with students from Lewis University. They also pointed out that the Uno Lounge where my display was used to be the mail room and a security guard was stationed there at night. Thank you to everyone who came out on homecoming weekend!

The USF Library Archives is very appreciative of all the donations that have been received for the collections over the years. In recent history the largest one has been The Barbara A. Cooke Musical Theatre Special Collection , a donation from Ms. Cooke that consists of sheet music, books and other materials related to musical theater. In addition to this generous donation, the Archives has received smaller gifts of materials that both enhance the Archives' materials and increase our knowledge of the history of USF. A recent donation from Mr. James Sczepaniak included materials that his late wife, Mrs. Mary Clare (Gordon) Sczepaniak ('57), collected while she was a student and an alum. Some of the items pictured below will be used in this year's Founder's Day displays in the Moser Performing Arts Center gallery space. If you or someone you know has materials related to the University of St. Francis or its history please feel free to contact the USF Library Archives. ...

The Joliet Area Historical Museum is hosting a special exhibit: Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate - 145 Years Serving God, Serving Community . "The Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate transformed the landscape of Joliet through their ministry and the Congregation's building of a Motherhouse, an academy, a college, an orphanage, and a retirement home. This exhibit features facts pulled from their rich history, continuing the journey that Mother Alfred Moes began 145 years ago." Visit the Museum from June 6 through October 10, 2010 to view this amazing collection of photographs, information, artifacts, artwork and more about the Sisters' century and a half in Joliet. The Motherhouse of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate - ca. 1912

What would a room full of amazing books be without bookends. Luckily for the USF Library Archives there have been several pairs of decorative bookends donated over the past few decades. They can be seen on display with the John L. Raymond Special Collection and the Rare Books Collection. The two sets of bookends above were donated by John L. Raymond. Come and see these helpful pieces of art in the USF Library Archives on the second floor of the USF Library.

This year, Founder's Day at USF is on September 15. To find out more about the celebration please see my previous post or the USF website . For my part this year I've created three displays of materials from the USF Library Archives showing the history of the school and celebrating the Sisters who worked so hard to make the school what it is today. Please take some time to visit the displays around campus. Be sure to look for familiar faces and places as you "Walk the Gospel Road" through history: The Motherhouse - located in the display cabinets across from the Solutions Office on the 3rd floor down the hall from San Damiano Hall. This display focuses on the Sisters and the early years of their time at USF. The Library - located in the display case just inside the main doors, across from the Circulation Desk. This display focuses on Sisters and faculty with an emphasis on more recent years. Tower Hall: Moser Performing Arts Center Gallery - located in the po...

Founder's Day at USF is Tuesday, September 15th. This is the time when we celebrate our founding congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. They gave so much of their lives to making the school what it is today. This year's theme is Walking the Gospel Road in Faith and the activities include: 10:30 am - Blessing of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Quad. 11:00 am - Mass in St. Joseph Chapel, Motherhouse. Noon - Lunch in San Damiano Hall. That evening at 7:00 pm in San Damiano Hall Sister Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF will be speaking at the Fifth Annual Bishop Imesch Women in the Church Lecture Series. Her talk is titled The Wonders and Woes of Mother Moes: Life Lessons from the Foundress on Being a Woman in the Church and the World . Mother Alfred Moes The USF Library Archives will be displaying materials from the Archives that celebrate the Sisters and others who have been important in the history of USF. Please take some time to look at the displa...

The USF Library Archives has been fortunate to receive donations of artwork from current USF students. A selection of art projects from the Spring 2008 semester are now on display in the Library. To view these pieces please visit the Student Artwork Display area on the 2nd floor of the Library. This area is outside the Center for Instructional Delivery (CID) offices, adjacent to the classrooms. Art in this display by: Jackie Marroquin, Robbyn Yuen, Ron O'neal, Ashley Kekelik, Tricia Whybark, Brad Bourg, Jackie Oliver, Matthew Mazurowski, and Kathy High.