At the end of last women’s volleyball season, Cara Currier, former coach of the program for the past 24 seasons, announced that she would be retiring from the position. While searching for a new women’s coach, the University of St. Francis (USF) also introduced a men’s volleyball program to the school, further raising the qualifications of the position to managing two programs. Tom Welsh got his start in volleyball as a former junior college (JUCO) player. He started in the

I will be honest, when it comes to holidays, hot takes, or pretty much anywhere my opinion is needed, I am a hater by nature. Usually, my initial instinct is to squint and judge as if everything personally wronged me. But even I have my exceptions, and pumpkin spice is one of them. The minute the weather dips below gross and sweaty, my inner fall lover wakes up. I love fall the way people love their pets, so naturally I am pro-pumpkin spice. It is cozy, nostalgic and pretty m

Transformation and change are surrounding us this semester at the University of St.Francis (USF). First-year students are taking their first steps into adulthood, staff and faculty are transitioning into new positions with new responsibilities and changes are being made to the physical parts of campus. We are seeing a transition at USF unlike anything we have experienced before. Last year was the hard kind of transition, the kind that we didn’t quite understand. While we kn

This year at University of St. Francis (USF), a lot of change is happening around campus with the addition of the new Student Success Center building. With the new building expanding into Tower Hall, departments have had the opportunity to move around campus. These changes have raised many questions among students and faculty. There is a shared concern among students about the relocation or closures of various departments, resources, and social gathering spots. To get deeper

When it comes to being in college, there is a lot of pressure; especially during the start of the school year. On top of academic stress, the fall season comes and the shorter days and longer nights make it seem like time is going by slowly. With these two factors, college students may feel drained and unmotivated. Having a fall bucket list can help the time go by a little faster and be much more enjoyable. Having a fall bucket list gives students something to look forward t

As the dog days of summer are winding down, and the hum of a new academic year fills the quad at the University of St. Francis (USF), a shift signals the start of an electric fall. Saturday football games at Joliet Memorial Stadium are back. For the Fighting Saints, the return to campus brings more than lectures and lively campus life. It brings back Mid-States Football Association (MFSA) rivalries and a chance to channel energy into momentum. For the 2026 season, the Fightin

As a new semester begins, students in the College of Arts and Sciences will notice a change to the nameplate on the Dean's office. Previous Dean Beth McDermott is transitioning to Provost while Professor David Veenstra is settling in as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Previously, Veenstra served as the department chair of the History, Political Science, and Criminal and Social Justice Department. “I do love teaching,” Veenstra said, “but I also foun

Have you been to the movie theatre this year? Perhaps more than once? As we are already in the last stretch of 2026 and the numerous successful releases in many different genres, it is likely you have! Directors have been on a summer hot streak with movie releases this year. Cinema is back baby and it is better than ever! Let’s look at the top movies this year and how they changed the game. It is not at all surprising that horror has dominated the box offices this year. Thi