This past weekend, staff from the Encounter attended the annual Illinois College Press Association (ICPA) conference in downtown Chicago. The attendees this year included Editor-in-Chief Rodolfo Flores, Assistant and Sports editor Scarlett LaBuda as well as Head of Public Relations and Feature and Entertainment editor Kathleen Norton.  The ICPA conference features all college press across the state of Illinois coming together for two days to share work, attend sessions run by

This past week, excitement has been buzzing as the Archway Review held its launch party, celebrating the publication of its fifth issue! Such a milestone truly highlights the hard work and dedication from students and faculty alike that brought this magazine to where it is today. However, this success did not come overnight, but rather through the advocacy and vision of Dr. Anna Ioanes and Dr. Elizabeth McDermott, who both wanted to establish a platform that would be able to

One of the fastest rising sports in the United States, softball has had no shortage of success here at the University of St. Francis (USF). They have finished as a top two team in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) the last three seasons, including winning the conference title in 2023 and 2024. Finishing behind St. Xavier University last season under rookie head coach Alyssa Moreno, she will look to lead the team to their first NAIA tournament under her dir

Despite it all, the University of St. Francis (USF) keeps on digging, gaining a new ace up its sleeve! We have all witnessed the women’s volleyball team break records year after year, and now, USF has proudly announced its 21st intercollegiate athletic program: a men's volleyball team.  This new addition to our athletic program will compete at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level and in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).  With

With the rise of reorganization from budgets to curriculum and faculty, the University of St. Francis (USF) President, Dr. Ryan C. Hendrickson, announced the creation of a Strategic Initiatives Task Force that would undergo efforts to strengthen USF and build the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable future. This Task Force is composed of three distinct groups that each maintain differing areas of necessity, balancing USF’s Catholic, Franciscan heritage with the harsh financi

Over the past few months, there have been numerous announcements made regarding the current financial situation at the University of St. Francis (USF). Following a series of budget cuts that have altered job positions as well as undergraduate programs, concern and frustration have carried a cold weight across campus due to the unexpected plot twists filled with a lack of transparency. In an effort to reinforce its financial foundation, USF is currently aiming to restructure p

Every year like clockwork, Valentine’s Day shows up in red, pink and sparkles acting like it owns the place. Suddenly, the world is drowning in heart-shaped everything and even the grocery store strawberries are dressed like they’re going to a high school homecoming. It’s always made me wonder: Is Valentine’s Day actually about love, or is it just a glitter‑covered Hallmark holiday we all pretend to enjoy? Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day only works if you believe in the kind

When you think of the Athletic Department here at the University of St. Francis (USF) you think of Dave Laketa and Cara Currier. At the end of this semester however, that will change. Assistant Director and women’s volleyball coach Cara Currier will be retiring at the conclusion of the spring term.  Currier has spent 24 years as the head coach of the women’s volleyball team. Prior to that she experienced coaching at various high schools, youth teams and junior colleges. Curri