Joliet's University of St. Francis to hold annual scholarship ball

The University of St. Francis in Joliet will bring its big annual black-tie event to campus as part of its yearlong centennial celebration.

The Caritas Centennial Scholarship Gala will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, in the Pat Sullivan Center on the main USF campus at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet, according to a news release.

Gloria and Edward Dollinger, and Diane and Bill Habiger have served as the co-chairs for the event. USF President Arvid C. Johnson and his wife, Anne, will host the gala.

“This Caritas is really special,” Diane Habiger said. “Bill and I chaired Caritas the first year it was moved off-campus after several years of being held at the Rec Center. We, along with the Dollingers, are delighted to bring Caritas back to campus for one year and are planning for a very special and nostalgic event.”

The college also touted its growth over the years. In the past two years, the campus has undergone noticeable changes, with the construction and opening of the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall in 2018 and the razing of St. Albert Hall this summer.

Now with its yearlong centennial celebration, USF is preparing to build a new quad and gateway, which it will unveil in August. USF expects its centennial celebration plans and special events, including the Caritas Centennial Scholarship Gala, will attract alumni, friends and the community back to campus.

“They will be able to see first-hand the growth that has happened within the university,” Gloria Dollinger said.

The gala will feature silent and live auctions, gourmet cuisine, a premium bar and music by Gentlemen of Leisure. Through the gala, USF is able to generate funds to provide more than $20 million in institutional financial aid for students every year.

More than 1,200 students at USF receive scholarships and 100 percent of the incoming freshman class receives some form of financial assistance.

The school has routinely touted the opportunities given to all students in Joliet and the surrounding community.

Over the course of the past nine years, an average of 58% of USF’s incoming freshman classes have been been first-generation college students.

Reservations are required. Tickets are $350 a person and seating is limited. To buy tickets, visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.