FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The University of Saint Francis recognized the Class of 2018 at its Commencement Ceremony on May 5. Families gathered in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum to see 652 degrees awarded to this year’s graduates. In addition, six students were honored as the university’s 2018 valedictorians:
Shelby A. Richardson – Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership
Shelby is an Accounting-EPIC/CPA Track major in the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and the daughter of Scott and Sherry Richardson. She is the recipient of USF’s Financial Executives International (FEI) Outstanding Student award and was named an FEI Scholar by the Fort Wayne Chapter of FEI. Following graduation, Shelby will work as a Staff Accountant at Ash Brokerage in downtown Fort Wayne, where she has worked as an Accounting Co-Op during her time at the University of Saint Francis. Shelby plans to work toward achieving her CPA license.
Lydia A. Bushur – School of Creative Arts
Lydia is a Graphic Design major in the School of Creative Arts and the daughter of James and Lori Bushur. Following graduation, Lydia plans to pursue a career as a graphic designer at an ad agency.
Karina Serapio-Rendon – School of Creative Arts
Karina is a Studio Arts major in the School of Creative Arts and the daughter of Imelda Rendon. Following graduation, Karina plans to attend graduate school to receive a master’s degree in Fine Arts.
Rachel M. Bertsch – School of Health Sciences
Rachel is a Nursing-BSN Program major in the School of Health Sciences and the daughter of David and Kim Bertsch. Following graduation, Rachel plans to stay and work in Fort Wayne, although she is currently undecided about the specific area she wants to pursue. Rachel’s tentative plan is to work for a few years and then return to school to continue her nursing education.
Courtney N. Albers – School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Courtney is a Biology/Pre-Physician Assistant Dual and Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership major in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the daughter of Dave and Jenny Albers. Following graduation, Courtney plans to begin the Physician Assistant master’s program this May at the University of Saint Francis.
Mackenzie M. McDorman – School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mackenzie is a Biology/Pre-Physician Assistant Dual major and the daughter of Angela Morse and Michael McDorman. Following graduation, Mackenzie plans to begin the Physician Assistant program at the University of Saint Francis in May. After that, she would like to become a family practice Physician Assistant in the Fort Wayne area.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and School of Creative Arts. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. In 2016, the University of Saint Francis expanded its presence to downtown Fort Wayne. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis campus experience includes 16 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships, and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,300 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.